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HOME :
Pre-Columbian Art :
Jaguar Effigy Vessels : Guanacaste-Nicoya Jaguar Effigy Vessel
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Guanacaste-Nicoya Jaguar Effigy Vessel - PF.3721
Origin: Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica
Circa: 1000
AD
to 1550
AD
Dimensions:
11" (27.9cm) high
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Terracotta
Location: United States
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| Description |
This beautiful vessel, made out of a reddish clay
body under a creamy-white slip, intrigues the
viewer with its intensity as well as its beauty. The
orange-red and black painting attracts the eye
to the immaculate detail with which the artist
created this piece. While the head has distinctive
jaguar characteristics, it also seems to embody
human characteristics that are expressed
through the eyes. This large pear-shaped jar
stands on hollow rattle tripod legs, two of which
are modeled to represent a jaguar's hind legs. A
third leg in the form of a tail is at the rear. Two
short hollow forelegs loop out from the sides
with paws resting on the hind legs. The face of
the jaguar has been done with great care and
precision, with a lace like representation around
its neck. The repetitive elements in the
decoration emphasize floral and geometric
motifs; yet exemplify the late Nicoya
polychromes with precision and grace. Though
the basic shape of the vessel is very simple, the
artist has taken it upon himself to create a
unique piece of art that would have given
pleasure then and continues to transcend time
with its beauty.
- (PF.3721)
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